Depression decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 30, 2013 for major depressive disorder was denied as the earliest statement expressing a desire to seek this benefit was received on that date.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability secondary to Major Depressive Disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was granted a rating of 50 percent effective May 18, 2017. Prior to this date, the condition was rated at 30 percent.

Special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted for a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling and additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, effective October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU for the appeal period from November 16, 2016.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder. He also receives SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. However, he does not receive the initial rating or effective date for several conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status due to inadequate development of evidence, including missing VA treatment records from the Oakland Vet Center. The Veteran will be scheduled for a psychiatric examination in Oakland or San Francisco.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims. The claim for an extraschedular rating for headaches was denied as the symptoms are not exceptional nor have they caused marked interference with employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence suggesting that the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder may have contributed to his death. The VA needs to obtain a medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right index finger synovitis, lower back condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims are not currently granted as there is no clear or competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right hip disabilities, finding no evidence of a current disability or link to service.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent from May 13, 2014, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder is rated at 30 percent since June 17, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU from December 17, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, as related to the Veteran's military sexual trauma (MST). The decision is based on credible evidence of the stressor incident.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder have been withdrawn. The appeal regarding service connection for dyspepsia is remanded due to the need for a VA medical examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and a mood disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic tendonitis, bursitis, degenerative joint disease, left shoulder. The TDIU claim is also remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to an in-service psychological stressor, and therefore service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder and has remanded the issue of a compensable rating for polycystic kidney disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder and whether it was caused by military service. The claim will be returned for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 31, 2015. The Board denied the claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected conditions were deemed adequate compensation.